0912 RM Parent

SEPTEMBER 2012 • RMPARENT.COM

HAPPY

habits

The persistent common cold Food fights Spectator sports DIY home concoctions Special section

Healthier choices for fast food ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RMPARENT

|

Used Kids’ Stuf for CA$H y l t n e G r u Yo e l c y c Re

Costume

Section

S O P E N r 1st !

e

Septemb

4519 S. College • College and Harmony next to McDonald’s • 266-9999

| RMPARENT

Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys 111 N. College Ave. • 224-2866

Challenges with your

Child?

Tantrums Arguing Dawdling Fighting Whining

FREE

!

We’ ve moveDour at us t si Come vi new location.

phone or in-person AssessmenT

(970)472-1207

The Parent-Child Interaction Center, LLC We Can Help. mosT insUrAnCe ACCepTeD

Find out more at: www.p-cic.com

1740 s. College Avenue • Fort Collins

RMPARENT

|

YOU HAVEN’T SEEN

A RESALE STORE

LIKE THIS! NORTHE

RN Col

We Pay CA$H For Gently Used Clothing, Sizes 0-26

Misses • Womens • Maternity Designer Purses • Accessories

orado ’s U L T I party a MATE nd Play a rea

$20 OFF

Any Public or Private Birthday Party Package Registration required. With coupon Only. 1 Coupon per event.

Not valid with other offers. expires 9/30/12

Free Pass

Buy one pass to any Public skating session, get one free.

Mon. - Sat. 9am to 7pm Sundays 10am to 6pm

970-223-6636

4519 S. College • Fort Collins

| RMPARENT

Not valid for private parties, fundraisers, school-out skates or special events. With coupon Only. 1 Coupon per person, per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires 9/30/12

ROLLERLANDSKATECENTER.COM ● 970-482-0497 324 s. Link lane ● FORT COLLINS

SEPTEMBER 2012

Departments

Special Section

Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

After the bell

Peace out—make a good attitude a habit

FIRST YEARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Food fights—moving beyond the picky-eater stage

Family activities . . . . . . 10

Root, root, root for the home team—Attend a match or a game that the whole family can enjoy

Healthy living. . . . . . . . . 12

Explore the possibilites for this fall and see what programs these providers have for your families

SFTER THE BELL

after

the

bell

DIY slime and other concoctions—simple ingredients for free, kid-friendly fun

Community news. . . . . . 14

13th Sustainable Living Fair attracts families, City of Fort Collins tackles waste one mailbox at a time

Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The other fast food—healthier choices for a quick meal out

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Bike love is serious business—passing on our values to our kids through modeling

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Thompson 101 introduces school district, Carrie Martin receives two years of Franklin Covey programming

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Supportive and involved parents will be missed, a message from Nancy Wright, child nutrition program, Student Rights and Code of Conduct, communication protocol during an emergency situation, access student’s information through Student Snapshot, Pinnacle Internet Viewer, Blackboard, sex-offender registry information available, register online to volunteer, Facebook and Twitter

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 TCAP test results are in for District 6

Lunchbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Features 20 The persistent common cold

With fall fast approaching you might be starting to wonder how this cold season will play out. Maybe last year your toddler seemed to suffer from cold after cold after cold. You might have worried that there was something wrong with his immune system.

The good news is, probably not.

22 H APPY HABITS

Humans are creatures of habit. Some good.

Some bad. But the fact that we establish habits in our lives points to our need for predictability. Sticking to good routines actually creates space in our lives for creativity and adventure. Plus, routines help kids feel secure because they know what to expect.

ABOUT THE COVER: Fort Collins kiddo, Parker, 7, likes snowboarding, ice hockey, and is an award-winning dirt biker. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

RMPARENT

|

perspective Peace out…

Make a good attitude a habit

I

was reading Kim Sharpe’s story about healthy habits and routines and how they can bring stability to a household and give predictability to kids’ sometimes chaotic lives. I really liked it and recommend that you give it a look. She talks about how having regular routines can then free up your time and energy for other things.

It got me thinking about habits and how we reinforce a habit whenever we practice it whether it is something that is good for us or something that is destructive. So if we build exercise into our day, we tend to exercise more, or if we buy healthful foods, we then become habituated to that.

One thing we might not think of often is habituating our attitude or outlook. It’s easy in our speedy world to start each day knowing that we’re going to rush around all day. Before we begin the day, we feel exhausted and anxious. And that becomes our outlook day after day. Or we might find that we immediately sort to anger when our kids or a co-worker does something we don’t like. And then anger becomes our outlook. And the more we do it, the more it becomes the habit of how we are.

And our kids pick up on it too. They certainly live busy lives themselves, and the stresses and strains of school and activities and just growing up are difficult to say the least. Our kids, like us, build mental habits, followed by actions, in how they react to the world.

So, in a slightly different tact from what Kim was talking about, I’m going to suggest that we work on our attitude habit. If we wake up in the morning and take a minute to decide that today I’m going to be generous, say for example, and we try to establish that as our mindset, maybe that will hold for a bit of the day. And then if we wake up the next morning and we do the same thing, we might notice that we did something generous (shared part of our sandwich, gave someone a ride, even returned a phone call) that day that we might not have done.

Or maybe we wake up and think about being appreciative and therefore thankful for the good things in our lives instead of thinking of all the things we wish we had. Then we might hug our kids a little longer, or tell them we love them, or make our spouse a cup of coffee.

And then we might get in the habit of being like that day after day and then the world becomes a better place to be. I’m just sayin’...

Please take time to look at the other stories in this issue, too, and be sure to check the calendar of events.

Thanks, —Scott Titterington, Publisher

| RMPARENT

SEPTEMBER 2012 • Volume 17, Number 4 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Calendar editor Aly Titterington calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Angela Isaac, (970)391-5212 angela.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bevin Barber-Campell, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Ann Schimke, Kim Sharpe, Lynn Utzman-Nichols ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2012 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

Divorce should end your marriage, not your family. Let child focused divorce mediation help you save your family.

AmAni mediAtion And Counseling offers:

v A low cost, non-adversarial approach to handle v v v v v v

conflict, divorce and parenting issues.

The opportunity for therapists and attorneys to work together to serve your families’ needs.

Child focused divorce mediation.

Counseling for children of divorce, including equine assisted therapy.

Decision making, parent coordination & mediation after divorce.

Research-based information for parents to help children before, during, and after divorce.

HOPE, HELP, HEALING

Please call Jill Cantor Lee, MS, M.Ed at (970) 232-3127 for a free 15 minute consultation.

Visit our website amanimeanspeace.net for more information.

AMANI MEANS PEACE

RMPARENT

|

first years Hang up your short-order cook hat It is tempting to make special meals for kids to ensure they eat. Doing so backfires by reinforcing that the child only likes certain things. It also says kids are in charge. Instead, make accommodations with what you are preparing, such as separating the meat out from a dish.

Make mealtime fun Keep mealtime upbeat and positive.

Also, entice your picky eater to the table by getting her involved. For example, have her color the place mats or have everybody come to dinner in costume.

Food fights

Moving beyond the picky-eater stage L y n n U t z m a n - N i c h o ls

I

If you have to, woo Make food fun with cookie cutter sandwiches, dips, ‘broccoli’ trees, and having fun helping cook by mashing food in a baggy or cutting lettuce with scissors.

Let them pick out new foods The average 2- to 3-year-old must see a food 15 times then taste it 15 times before they accept it into their repertoire. Offer food in different ways, such as cooked, lightly steamed, mixed with other foods, alone, etc. And let kids pick out new fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.

remember holding back a laugh as I watched my 3-year-old nephew refuse to eat. His arms were crossed to the point of cutting off circulation and his mouth was set in a hard pout. There was no way he was going to eat that required bite of tuna fish sandwich. The will and determination steaming off him was straight from a cartoon. The only thing missing was smoke coming out of his ears.

Having a picky eater can be extremely frustrating, driving some parents to tears. So much worry is wrapped up in the refusal to eat: Will she develop normally? Is he lacking vital nutrients?

Will she ever eat anything besides macaroni and cheese? If you’ve got a picky eater, you are well aware of these worries and frustrations. There are ways to get your toddler or preschooler to move beyond their picky-eater stage without pulling out your hair.

eat or not. When parents interfere with the child’s role, a power struggle often ensues.

Avoid ultimatums, such as, ‘You can’t get down until you eat three bites of lasagna.’

While this is highly tempting when you have a picky eater, it only serves to make the matter worse.

Your child knows that if he can get you upset, he has power over you.

When a 2-year-old has the opportunity to flex his independence muscle, he usually takes it even if it means going hungry. Rest assured, if your child has energy and is growing, he is most likely healthy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Increase your odds for success There are ways you can increase the odds that your toddler will eat her dinner and get adequate nutrition. These include:

Resist labeling Even if you feel a need to explain your picky eater to a friend, don’t do it in front of him. Kids who hear over and over again that they are picky eaters will live up to their reputation.

Do your job, then let it alone When it comes to eating, your only job is to offer healthy foods at consistent times throughout the day. The child’s role is to

Serve small portions on small plates When we put a big plate in front of kids, they can get overwhelmed. Make their serving one-half of yours.

The next time your toddler crosses his arms and refuses to eat sit back, talk cheerily to your spouse and enjoy your meal.

After all, your job is done. You’ve offered the food, now it’s his job to eat it. Or not.

| RMPARENT

Look at the week, rather than the day, for meeting nutritional requirements With young children, some days they eat great, other days, not. Most likely, over a course of the week they are hitting all the major food groups.

RMPARENT

|

family activities

Root, root, root for the home team Attend match or a game that the whole family can enjoy K a t i e H a rr i s

G

rab your pompoms and get ready to root for the home team this year at a local sporting event! With dozens of spectator sports available in our region you’re sure to find something the whole family will enjoy—you might even encourage a little friendly competition!

• CSU Rams, Fort Collins college team, www.csurams.com/sports/m-footbl/csu-mfootbl-body.html. Season: Sept. 1-Nov. 24.

• UNC Bears, Greeley college team, www.csurams.com/sports/m-footbl/csu-mfootbl-body.html. Season: Aug. 30-Nov. 17.

• Northern Colorado high schools. Season: August-October.

Baseball Baseball season may be winding down, but there's still time to catch one last Rockies game before the team goes into hibernation.

• Colorado Rockies (Denver), Major League Baseball, www.colorado.rockies. mlb.com. Home games through Sept. 27.

Ice Hockey You just can’t call yourself a Coloradan until you’ve experienced an ice hockey game! The beloved Avs aren’t the only team in town— head to the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland for an Eagles game, or catch a college game in Fort Collins or Greeley.

• Colorado Avalanche (Denver), National Hockey League, avalanche.nhl.com. Season: Oct. 11-April 13.

• Colorado Eagles (Loveland), Central Hockey League, Minor League, www.coloradoeagles.com/home.php?track=forward.

Season: Oct. 5-March 30.

• CSU Rams, Fort Collins college team, www. csuhockey.com. Season: September-March.

• UNC Bears, Greeley college team, www.unco.edu/campusrec/clubsport/icehockey.html. Season: September-February.

Basketball One of the most popular fall to winter sports in the U.S., basketball can proudly call multiple northern Colorado venues home. With its quick pace and straightforward concept, basketball is a great choice for entertaining all ages.

• Denver Nuggets, National Basketball Association, www.nba.com/nuggets. Season: Dec. 20-April 1.

• Colorado Cougars, Greeley’s professional basketball team, abacougars.com.

Season: Oct. 30-Feb. 26.

• CSU Rams, Fort Collins college team, www.csurams.com/sports/m-baskbl/csu-mbaskbl-body.html. Season: November-March.

• UNC Bears, Greeley’s college team, www.uncbears.com/sports/mbkb/index.

Men’s season: Nov. 1-Feb. 28, women’s season: Nov. 4-March 14.

• Northern Colorado high schools. Season: November-February.

Football Football’s not just about dad hogging the TV all day, make it a family affair at a live game!

• Denver Broncos, National Football League, www.denverbroncos.com. Season: August-Dec. 23.

10

| RMPARENT

Roller Derby Tired of the old standbys? Roller derby may not be the first fall sport that comes to mind, but it’s sure to be tons of fun for the kids and parents, too! Roller derby is anything but boring!

• FoCo Girls Gone Derby (Fort Collins), northern Colorado Roller Derby League, www.focogirlsgonederby.com. Season: August-Nov. 17. Kids 12 and under are always free.

• Slaughterhouse Derby Girls (Greeley), Flat Track Roller Derby League, www. slaughterhousederbygirls.com. Season: August-Dec. 1.

Soccer The rapids won’t be back on the field

until spring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch a fall soccer game. The local arena soccer team, Denver Dynamite, will be in full swing later this year!

• Denver Dynamite, Professional Arena Soccer League, denvertnt.com. Season: December-February.

Tennis The tennis enthusiast can enjoy a match all season long at one of our local universities or high schools. Catch a college game beginning late September, or a high school boys’ match through the end of this month.

• CSU Rams, Fort Collins college team, www.csurams.com/sports/w-tennis/csu-wtennis-body.html. Season: September-May. • UNC Bears, Greeley college team, www.uncbears.com/landing/index. Men’s season: Sept. 23-April 8, women’s season: Sept. 24-April 21.

• Northern Colorado high schools. Boy’s season: August-Sept. 25 Ultimate Frisbee For a spin on more traditional sports, catch a game of ultimate Frisbee.

• UNC Bears, Greeley college team,www.unco.edu/campusrec/clubsport/ ultimate.htm. Season: October-March.

• Fort Collins offers indoor and outdoor Frisbee. Look over the college and club teams at http://fcultimate.com/.

Volleyball Head to the court this fall as local university and high school women give it their all in a sport our U.S. women’s team took gold in this summer, volleyball!

• CSU Rams, Fort Collins college team, www.csurams.com/sports/w-volley/csu-wvolley-body.html. Season: August-Nov. 23.

• UNC Bears, Greeley college team, www.uncbears.com/sports/wvball/index.

Season: August-Nov. 24.

• Northern Colorado high schools. Season: Sept. 1-Oct. 18.

JOHN M. JAMES, M.D.

Certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology and The American Board of Pediatrics

Specializing in: ASTHMA ALLERGIES ECZEMA 1136 E. Stuart St. Bldg. 3, Suite 3200 • Fort Collins, CO 80525 • (970)221-1681 7251 W. 20th St., Building N, Suite 1 • Greeley, CO 80634 • (970)356-3907

or call 1-800-735-1434 • www.coloradoallergy.com

Got Grandkids?

Visit rmparent.com for family-friendly activities in northern Colorado.

facebook.com/RockyMountainParent

RMPARENT

| 11

healthy living

DIY slime and other concoctions Simple ingredients for free, kid-friendly fun B y A n n S c h i mke

I

f you’ve got flour, cornstarch, salt, glue and food coloring in the house, you have the ingredients for an afternoon of free, kid-friendly fun.

With staples like these, you can whip up concoctions such as Mars mud, slime, face paint or Play-doh. The best part is you’ll get double mileage out of these recipes because mixing them up will entertain the kids as much as playing with the final product.

drop at a time. The paint will appear lighter on the skin, so add a few more drops after you reach the desired shade. Darker colors such as red and blue may require a little more scrubbing to get off the skin.

Homemade play-doh This recipe is from the “One Perfect Day” blog (http://www.oneperfectday blog.net). For other variations, including No-Cook Play-Doh, Cinnamon Sparkle Play-doh and Sand Play-doh, check out The Imagination Tree site at www.theimaginationtree.com.

/ C. cornstarch 2-3 T. water Food coloring 1 3

Face paint This recipe from the “I Can TEACH My Child” blog (www.icanteachmy child.com), makes enough for one color. Double or triple the recipe if you would like to make multiple colors.

1 t. cornstarch ½ t. milk ¼ t. water Food coloring

Combine the first three ingredients in a small bowl. Add the food coloring one 12

| RMPARENT

Shaving cream White glue

Combine equal parts shaving cream and white glue and apply to paper with a spoon or large paintbrush.

For colorful clouds add a few drops of food coloring.

Mars mud This recipe came from a booth at a science– themed event at the Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland. With only three ingredients, it’s incredibly simple to make, and supposedly mimics the goopy, rubbery consistency of the surface of Mars.

Put a few drops of food coloring into the cornstarch. Add the first 2 tablespoons of water and stir with a Popsicle stick. Add another ¼ -½ tablespoon of water and stir with until the mixture is thick and oozes slowly off the stick. You’ve got the right consistency if your finger bounces off the surface when you tap the mud and slowly sinks in when you poke the mud. Add more water if the mixture is chunky and more cornstarch if it’s runny.

that requires a soft, fluffy texture. Many craft blogs pair this activity with books about clouds, such as “It Looked Like Spilt Milk” by Charles G. Shaw.

1 C. flour 1 C. water ¼ C. salt 1 T. vegetable oil 2 t. cream of tartar Food coloring

Finger paint This recipe is also from “I Can TEACH My Child.” Save your left-over paint in repurposed ketchup, jelly or shampoo squeeze bottles.

1 C. flour 2 T. salt 1 ½ C. cold water 1 ½ C. hot water Food Coloring

Combine flour and salt in a saucepan. Add cold water and mix until there are no more lumps. Add the hot water and bring to boil. Remove from heat once it’s thickened.

Cloud paint This thick puffy paint is great for making clouds, ghosts, ice cream or anything else

Combine all ingredients in a cold saucepan. Stir until lumps are gone and consistency is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. It will become smooth and runny, and then thicken into a solid lump. Remove from the pan and let cool.

Slime This gooey recipe comes from the “Simplify, Live, Love” blog at www.simplify livelove.com. ½ t. Borax 1 ½ C. water ½ C. glue Food coloring

Mix one cup of water with Borax until completely dissolved. In a second bowl, mix ½ cup of water, glue and food coloring. Combine the two mixtures until slime forms.

Septembers to Remember

Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys 111 N. College Ave. • 224-2866

RMPARENT

| 13

community news

13th Sustainable Living Fair attracts families

T

he Sustainable Living Fair offers a variety of activities for kids, youth, families and educators. Over the weekend, the fair will host hands-on workshops and interactive discussions in the Workshop Tent, music and entertainment at the Family Stage, and crafts, games, face painting, and more in the Activity Area.

Baby changing area provided

by Little Fox Diapers, stroller parking available and water dispenser near-by.

The Family Planet Main Stage and Workshop schedules are available on the website under the Family Planet link: Saturday, Sept. 15 11am— Green Wombs: Creating NonToxic Environments for Baby Before and After Birth 1pm— Gardens, Plants and Gnomes...

Oh My! 3pm— Prepare for Your Childbirth Experience 4pm— Salvaged Instrument and Music Making Workshop Sunday, Sept. 16 10am— The Wonderful World of Words 1pm— A Holistic Approach to Managing Post-Fire Trauma in Children 2pm—Kid’s Music Party 3pm—Creating Art with Your Family

City of Fort Collins tackles waste one mailbox at a time The City of Fort Collins joined forces with Catalog Choice in June to combat unwanted phone books, catalogs, coupons, and credit card solicitations.

In the first month of the program alone, 883 new accounts were created

by Fort Collins residents, with requests for more than 1,700 individual sources of junk mail, or opt-outs. Additionally, the Fort Collins metro area has been named the 4th most mailefficient for the month of June, according to Catalog Choice’s Mail Stop 14

| RMPARENT

Index, which ranks the communities that have opted out of the most unwanted advertising mail per capita.

More than 80 billion pieces of unsolicited mail are received by Americans each year—and the customers and municipalities foot the bill for waste/recycling collection and disposal.

In light of Fort Collins’ community goal to divert half of its waste stream from landfill disposal, it’s a significant accomplishment that just over a month into the junk mail suppression program, more than 9,000 pounds of solid waste have already been reduced at the source.

In just one month, Fort Collins residents who signed up for the service prevented the creation of more than 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2). Additionally, 60,000 gallons of water were saved by citizens voluntarily opting out of unwanted mail. While the early results are encouraging, a significant opportunity remains for the program to expand with participation by others in the community.

“Our goal is to get at least 15 to 20 percent of the community, approximately 10,000 households, to sign up for the junk mail suppression program, which would result in over 300 tons of paper being saved annually. Based on the high participation rates during the first month of the program, we believe we can meet or even exceed our goals,” Gordon says.

Unwanted mailings can be processed in several ways. The basic free service directs users to create a simple, easy-to-use online account. It only takes a minute to get started, and residents can then immediately begin

individually selecting which companies’ mailings to suppress. This option allows citizens to continue receiving favorite types of advertising while preventing unwanted solicitation.

Once an account is created, customers can also download the MailStop app that makes it a snap to stop junk mail.

Simply take a quick smartphone photo of the junk mail you receive using the Mailstop app, and Catalog Choice will take care of the rest. Even if you don’t have regular access to the Internet or a smartphone, you can still participate in the program by calling the City of Fort Collins’ Environmental Services Department at (970) 221-6600. Staff will provide pre-addressed envelopes that can be used to send customers’ junk mail to Catalog Choice; the company will then process the request to stop receiving unwanted mailings.

No matter which option customers choose, the City-sponsored junk mail suppression program will help Fort Collins shed millions of pounds of waste and thousands of dollars in costs, one mailbox at a time. Residents and businesses can sign up for the mail preference program at fcgov. com/junkmail. For more details, visit fcgov.com/recycling.

Do something for

Yourself!

FItnESS ClaSSES FoR MoMS on-tHE-Go visit www.fortcollinsclub.net for schedules

· Group Power · FCC Club Fit · Zumba · Water Aerobics

Take the online Life Traits Quiz and get 2 weeks of FREE MEMBERSHIP! (New Members Only)

· UJAM · Spin · Yoga · Pilate

970-224-CLUB 1307 East Prospect Road

Fort Collins, CO 80525

fortcollinsclub.net RMPARENT

| 15

nutrition

The other fast food

Healthier choices for a quick meal out R i c h a r d K eller

W

ith numerous locations in northern Colorado, it’s difficult not to be drawn into a McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s for a quick and inexpensive meal. However, before you take a step towards their stainless steel counters, consider the longer-lasting ramifications with one of their platters. The increased fat, cholesterol and sodium counts, along with high numbers of carbohydrates, can leave you and your family sluggish and sleepy several hours afterward, and linger on your waistlines for a seeming eternity.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to grabbing a meal on the road. In today’s fatconscious world alternative fast food locations offer healthier choices for everyone. Here are a few examples.

16

| RMPARENT

Subway 38 locations in northern Colorado Subway is one of those restaurant chains where both parents and children can partake in healthy eating.

Though there are plenty of opportunities to consume a foot-long meatball sub, numerous ways are available to make meal choices healthy and flavorful. For adults, Subway’s freshbaked white bread, containing forty grams of carbohydrate for a six-inch sub, can be replaced by whole wheat or flatbread. In addition, parents can load up their sandwiches with lean meats, a wide array of vegetables, such as onions, peppers and olives, and cover it all with lighter dressings such as oil and vinegar.

For the kids, Subway offers meals ranging from their 150-calorie veggie mini-sub to the 200-calorie roast beef. Each meal comes with sliced apples and low-fat milk. If your children are desperate for chips, the restaurant provides

individual-sized bags of Sun Chips and Baked Lays products.

Qdoba/Chipotle 15 locations in northern Colorado Which one of these burrito places you end up at depends on how hip you are and how much spice you can tolerate. Both restaurants dole out humongous burritos and tacos at inexpensive prices. Chipotle’s meat fillings can be somewhat on the spicy side, deterring your kids from enjoying a delicious meal.

When it comes to healthy alternatives, Qdoba’s ten locations are slightly ahead of Chipotle. In 2012 they introduced whole-wheat tortillas for their burritos as a substitute for their white flour standards. Not only does the whole-wheat variety have fewer calories, but also it isn’t as filling as the white flour version. Qdoba also offers more variety on their children’s menu. Among the healthier items is their naked burrito, featuring all of the fillings of a normal burrito, minus the tortilla. One with black beans, chicken, lettuce, grilled vegetables, and pico de gallo, runs under 500 calories and three grams of saturated fat.

Children’s meals include choice of applesauce or chips, and lowfat milk.

Regardless of where you choose to go, make an attempt to review the nutritional guidelines of these restaurants before you head out. And if your family absolutely craves a burger, pop some turkey patties on the home grill and whip up a batch of sweet potato fries for the healthiest alternative.

The Matthews House 415 Mason Court #1 Fort970-567-0885 Collins, Colorado 80524

turningpoint.org

Admin. Offices: 970-472-4293 Youth Services: 970-472-0609 www.TheMatthewsHouse.org

Realities for Children and Business Members do very much The Matthews House is their a 501(c)3 organization thatsoempowers for children in Larimer County. Turning Point is proud to be an young adults and families in transition who lack a significant Affiliate Agency, to carry out the work with support youth network providing the resources troubled thatby Realities for Children makes and relationships necessary forneglected, them to take possible.

The number of abused, and troubled inlives, our community sadlyfutures continues control youth of their shape positive for to rise, but we are fortunate to have the support themselves and become successful contributors of Realities for Children behind us. This support to theiruscommunity. enables to continue to “Turn Lives Around.�

Partnered in service with 19 Affiliate Youth Agencies, Realities For Children Charities provides support for the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County. Each month in Parent Magazine a different Realities For Children Affiliate Agency will be featured.

RMPARENT

| 17

persistent common cold the

Do frequent colds mean your child’s immune system is weak?

By Lynn Utzman-Nichols

W

ith fall fast approaching you might be starting to wonder how this cold season will play out. Maybe last year your toddler seemed to suffer from cold after cold after cold. You might have worried that there was something wrong with his immune system.

The good news is, probably not.

“It’s very rare for kids to have a severe immuno-deficiency. In most cases, getting sick frequently is merely exposure to new viruses and bacteria,” says Dr. Deric McIntosh, an osteopathic family medicine physician with Foxtail Family Medicine clinic in Loveland, which is a part of UCHealth.

18

| RMPARENT

Frequent infections are common among young kids It’s easy to worry when your young child gets sick a lot. Remind yourself that getting frequent infections is more a reflection of what germs are in your child’s environment rather than a reflection on her health. In time, it will get easier.

With each year your child grows older, she’ll get sick less and less.

“Many kids, especially young kids, get sick regularly especially during winter months. There are a lot of viruses in the world that kids get exposed to, and their bodies must deal with them.

In a way, colds are blessings in disguise because they help kids strengthen their immune systems,” he adds.

That’s because our immune systems learn and adapt. The first time a child encounters a virus, it might hit hard and cause him to feel really sick. The next time, it might be milder. As adults, we may not get sick at all.

“Our immune system is like a muscle.

We have to use it to keep it strong,” says McIntosh. The way we exercise it? With colds, coughs, sinus infections, stomach upset and the flu. As we recoup on the couch we can take comfort in knowing we are building up our bodies’ immunity.

According to a researcher at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, there might be as many as 200 common cold viruses. That’s a lot of potential for runny noses, sore throats and

stuffy heads.

“Our bodies fight viruses differently than they fight bacterial infections. Our immune systems remember bacteria. If they see it again, they know what to do about it. But with viruses, our bodies have a more generalized response, so it might not recognize that cold you had last year,” says McIntosh. That’s why there isn’t a cure for the common cold.

Kids often get sick, get over it, and then another infectious bug brandishes the doorknobs at preschool and they are sick again. This chain of sickness happens with kids, but sometimes the same bug that has never completely gone away can cause it. This happens when a child gets infected by bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics: “If your child is sick with a bacteria that is resistant to an antibiotic, the infection might calm down and appear to be better, but really it is smoldering and takes off again,” says McIntosh. If you suspect this is happening, see your doctor.

Keeping your child’s immune system strong “Parents often ask me how to strengthen their children’s immune systems. I tell them they are probably doing the right things already—feeding their kids healthy diets, promoting good sleep and creating opportunities for regular exercise,” says McIntosh.

Other things that can help are limiting your young child’s sugar intake and giving her a multivitamin/mineral each day. “If kids are eating healthy foods, they are probably getting all the nutrients they need and won’t need a vitamin. Will it hurt to give your child a one-a-day? No. In fact, if a child is low in a certain nutrient, say vitamin B, it will make up for it. The worst that can happen is that he’ll make expensive pee,” quips McIntosh.

Treating a common cold “The best treatment is often what your

grandma always told you—stay home, rest, have chicken noodle soup, stay hydrated and get good sleep,” says McIntosh. He believes using over-thecounter cold medicines can help—not to speed up your child’s recovery, but to facilitate needed rest. If you have a question on a cold medicine, call your doctor for advice. Parents are usually safe to administer cold medicine made especially for kids.

Another obvious way to prevent colds is teaching your child good handwashing skills. Make sure they wash long enough (try reciting the ABCs) and rub vigorously enough (rubbing is just

as important as soap when it comes to killing germs). “It’s been proven time and again that when we get kids to wash their hands, infection rates go down,” says McIntosh who suggests in addition to hand-washing when someone is sick to not sharing towels, pillows and blankets. “Even moisture that comes out on your breath can pass a virus,” he adds.

Should you throw out your toothbrush after a cold? Maybe, maybe not.

“Usually a cold is passed around a house and then it’s gone, but it’s possible you could re-infect yourself with a dirty toothbrush. My guess is it’s probably not a big concern,” concludes McIntosh.

UCHealth sponsored this article.

How to treat ear infections Dr. Deric McIntosh with Foxtail Family Medicine likens an ear infection to a hot tub: “There is fluid that gets trapped in the middle ear. It’s nice and warm. All it takes are a couple bacteria to settle in. Soon enough they invite their friends and it’s a party.”

Ear infections are a common ailment among young children. Some infants or toddlers may get them more often, thanks to their anatomy. “Some kids, due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, are more susceptible to otitis media, or an infection in their middle ear,” says McIntosh.

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. Its job is to equalize pressure in the ear. When fluid or mucus plugs it, pressure builds and it causes pain. Add bacteria, and you’ve got an infection. Dysfunctional Eustachian tubes tend to be slimmer and more horizontal than normal.The good news is that as a young child’s head grows, so does her Eustachian tube. Hence, kids can outgrow frequent ear infections.

If your child has several ear infections a year (chronic ear infections are defined as 4 to 6 in a year), it’s best to see your doctor.

“Chronic ear infections can cause hearing loss that in turn can cause speech and language development delays,” adds McIntosh who encourages parents to have open, honest discussions with their doctors.

One solution to chronic ear infections is placing tubes in the ears. The tubes help fluid drain and relieve pressure. Tubes are generally left in for several months or even a few years. They typically fall out on their own—usually when a child’s Eustachian tube lengthens with age. “It’s a very quick surgical procedure by an ENT,” states McIntosh. The tube rests inside the ear and is not seen from outside.

When your child has an acute ear infection, you usually know it. “He may suddenly start screaming or crying, tug on his ear, and maybe run a fever,” says McIntosh. Your doctor will confirm whether it’s an ear infection or something else. If it is, most likely you’ll receive a prescription for an antibiotic.

“Most cases of otitis media are caused by bacteria,” he adds.

Other treatment options? McIntosh says some parents try massage around the ear to help it drain. It’s not a proven treatment method although it helps in some cases.

Finally, McIntosh doesn’t recommend using antihistamines or decongestants to treat symptoms of ear infections. “Studies show that these medicines don’t make a difference whatsoever for ear infections and the side effects often outweigh the benefits,” he concludes. Pain can be relieved with children’s acetaminophen.

RMPARENT

| 19

20

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 21

Build good family routines to help kids stay healthy and secure

By Kim Sharpe

H

Happyhabits

umans are creatures of habit.

Some good. Some bad. But the fact that we establish habits in our lives points to our need for predictability. And that’s not to be confused with boring. As a matter of fact, sticking to good routines actually creates space in our lives for creativity and adventure.

Meg Selig, author of Changepower!

37 Secrets to Habit Change Success, explains it this way: A routine is a series of habits. If you’ve got a good routine set up–say a morning routine of breakfast-exerciseshower-dress-commute, you’ve freed yourself from a lot of small decisions that could slow you down or capture 22

| RMPARENT

valuable brain space that you’d prefer to use for something else. You can now go on autopilot and still accomplish your goals. In this way, paradoxically, a good routine can be freeing. No need for constant decision-making about what’s coming next or what you should do.

You’re gonna brush your teeth before you leave the house, and that’s that!

Since kids are humans (no really, they are), they benefit from having routines, too. Routines help kids feel secure because they know what to expect.

“Kids don’t have a lot of control in their lives and [routines] can give them a sense of organization, stability and comfort,” explains David Worford, a Fort

Collins stay-at-home dad and blogger.

“That, in turn, should help develop better behavior and some sense of personal control—always a challenge, especially with young kids.”

The Raising Children Network (raisingchildren.net.au) says, “Routines are how families organize themselves to get things done, spend time together and have fun. Every family has its own unique routines. Routines help family members know who should do what, when, in what order and how often.”

With summertime waning and school back in session, fall is the perfect time to re-establish (or perhaps establish for the first time) good routines.

Practical preparations If you were involved in either Girl or Boys Scouts, you’re familiar with the motto, “Always be prepared.” This applies to establishing routines around daily tasks as much as it does to packing for campouts.

Pre-bedtime— Before jumping into bed, kids can do a lot to prepare for the next day (with parental supervision if necessary). It may be helpful to develop a checklist to set expectations and serve as a reminder. The list could include making their lunches, laying out what they want to wear, putting homework in their backpacks or book bags, bathing and brush-

ing their teeth. If outer wear will be needed, searching for hats, mittens and boots the night before is much better than engaging in a frenzied scavenger hunt right before it’s time to leave in the morning.

After school—When kids barrel through the door after school, they should be met with more routines, such as placing papers that come home from their teachers in a designated location.

You can enlist them to decorate a box or basket for this purpose. Other practical after-school routines can include: Eating a nutritious snack and rehydrating. Make healthy food options available to your kids and allow them to choice from among them.

Taking a break. Kids work hard throughout the day. Allow them a period of down time when they get home from school to recharge their batteries.

Perhaps this includes time to go outside for fresh air and exercise.

Doing homework. Set aside space in your home where children can work on homework assignments. Whether it’s the kitchen table or an office desk, equip the space with good lighting and the supplies your kids need to accomplish their work.

Morning—Just like having a designated bedtime, determine a time for kids to wake up and get out of bed.

Once their feet hit the floor, morning tasks can include getting dressed (and since clothes were laid out the night before, battles about what to wear are eliminated), making their beds and tidying up their rooms, eating breakfast, and brushing their teeth and hair.

Nutrition and activity The importance of eating nutritious food and getting plenty of exercise cannot be overemphasized and are two more areas where healthy routines should be established.

According to CanDo, “…when kids eat healthy and stay active, they do better in school. Healthy foods provide the essential nutrients kids need to concentrate and focus on learning. Being active keeps kids alert and ready to learn. Good nutrition and physical activity also

improve kids’ overall health, which means they are sick less and miss fewer days of school.”

Healthy habits around eating right and moving more include: Making breakfast mandatory. Eating a morning meal that includes protein helps our bodies and brains reactivate after a night’s rest.

Happyhabits

Bedtime for Bonzo Sleep is underrated. When electric, artificial lighting showed up in homes, people started staying up later and ignoring their bodies’ natural sleep cycles that were in sync with the Earth’s day and night cycles. Much research shows lack of sleep is unhealthy and the cause of many modern-day maladies, such as depression, weight gain and perhaps even cancer.

“In school, a sleep-deprived child has trouble with concentration, memory, physical performance and decision making,” says Virginia Clark, of the Coalition for Activity and Nutrition to Defeat Obesity (CanDo). “On the flip side, adequate sleep will boost a child’s energy and enthusiasm. Good-quality sleep can also help kids learn more easily, reduce behavioral problems and maintain a healthy weight.”

With that in mind, it’s imperative for parents to set a bedtime or lights out time for their children and themselves that allows all family members to get the sleep they need.

The amount of sleep children requires varies by individual, but most experts agree that children aged 5 to 12 years old function best when they sleep 10 to 12 hours per day. Teenagers often need just as much sleep as younger children, but social calendars, homework, extra-curricular activities and electronic devices work in tandem to sabotage teen’s sleep. Parents can help by setting limits in all of those areas.

Filling up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Both contain nutrients and fiber

and are low in calories. Kids and adults need four to six cups each day.

Drinking plenty of water. Human bodies are 70 percent water; so keeping them filled with H2O is essential for proper functioning. Limit sugary drinks, like pop, flavored drinks and even 100 percent juices.

Downsizing servings. While “super sized” portions are all the rage at many popular restaurants, they lead to super sized bodies. Limit serving sizes and teach your kids to stop eating when they feel satisfied versus full.

Encouraging exercise. Kids need at least one hour of physical activity every day. Parents can help them get this by engaging the whole family in an afterdinner walk or bike ride. If the weather is inclement, turn on some music and dance. Your kids will love it!

Limiting screen time. “No doubt about it—TV, interactive video games and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects,” says Janeen Bjork, a physician with Banner Health. Bjork adds: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age 2 have no screen time, and that kids older than 2 watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.

According to the AAP, unstructured playtime is more valuable for the developing brain than electronic media. Children learn to think creatively, problem-solve, and develop reasoning and motor skills at early ages through unstructured, unplugged play. Free play also teaches them how to entertain themselves. Also, young children learn best from—and need—interaction with humans, not screens.

RMPARENT

| 23

Fairies, Gnomes, and and other elements of other elements ofNature

By Jesse Eastman, Owner & General Manger of Fort Collins Nursery

By Jesse Eastman, Owner & General Manger of Fort Collins Nursery

As an adult, it is hard for me to look at aitlandscape and As anout adult, is hard for mesee to anything other than a nice arrangelook out at a landscape and see ment of plants, trees,a and anything other than niceshrubs. arrangeA landscape is a practical installament of plants, trees, and shrubs. tion, providing where shade A landscape is ashade practical installais needed, perhaps blocking tion, providing shade where street shade noise, or adding privacy.

It isstreet an is needed, perhaps blocking aesthetic undertaking, too; certain noise, or adding privacy.

It is an flower colors may accent the trim aesthetic undertaking, too; certain on a house, shrubs may flower colorscolumnar may accent the trim give a regal appearance to an enon a house, columnar shrubs may tryway, or the shape of atocertain give a regal appearance an entree might make a small seem tryway, or the shape of a yard certain moremight spacious. my tree makeI aspend smallmost yard of seem days being pragmatic, and I fear my more spacious. I spend most of my youthful sense of imagination may days being pragmatic, and I fear my be fading. youthful sense of imagination may

limbs of a fallen willow tree. In the winterofmonths, banks limbs a fallensnow willow tree.proIn the vided ample opportunities for the winter months, snow banks proengineer in me to construct elabovided ample opportunities for the rate snowincaves forconstruct the fairies who engineer me to elabochose not to travel south.

I didn’t rate snow caves for the fairies who grow up I never chose notwatching to travel television; south. I didn’t had a video game console.

Instead, grow up watching television; I never I created mygame own version reality, had a video console.ofInstead, one that I could interact with, and in I created my own version of reality, which I could beinteract a peasant or aand king, one that I could with, in depending on my mood. which I could be a peasant or a king,

be fading.

When I was a child, I spent many days happily fairies When I was aplaying child, Iwith spentthe many and gnomes who made their homes days happily playing with the fairies in my backyard. dad and gnomes whoWhen made my their homes would take me to the arboretum in my backyard. When my dad at Colorado University, my sister would takeState me to the arboretum at and I would run ourselves ragged Colorado State University, my sister making sure run we visited all our magiand I would ourselves ragged cal friends who lived amongst the making sure we visited all our magiviburnum I was cal friends and wholilac. livedWhen amongst thein pre-school, everyone in my class viburnum and lilac. When I was in had a gnomeeveryone name, and ourclass gnome pre-school, in my hideout was defined by the twisting had a gnome name, and our gnome

depending on my mood.

This close relationship with the naturalisenvironment is one with that, the sadly, Th close relationship natuchildren are losing touch with as ral environment is one that, sadly, computers, and as all children aresmart losingphones, touch with other sorts of devices become encomputers, smart phones, and all demic.sorts I stillofremember my 7thenother devices become grade computer teacher’smy 7th demic.

I still remember prediction to ourteacher’s class: grade computer “You will understand prediction to our class: computers better than “You will understand your parents can ever computers better than hope to, and you will your parents can ever neverto, beand as adept with hope you will computers yourwith chilnever be as as adept dren will be.”

I recall computers as your chilthat wisdom dren will be.”with I recall both pride and dethat wisdom with spair.pride Pride,and because both de- it represents the leaps spair. Pride, because it

hideout was defined by the twisting

represents the leaps

-PAID ADVERTISEMENT-

-PAID ADVERTISEMENT-

24

| RMPARENT

and bounds that we, as humans, are making intothat thatwe, nebulously defiare ned and bounds as humans, thing weinto callthat “Thenebulously Future.” Despair, making defined because the toll it takes on our childthing we call “The Future.”

Despair, hood is so because theheavy. toll it takes on our childhood is so heavy.

Perhaps I am just nostalgic, pining for something I can never regain.

Perhaps I am just nostalgic, piningAs theysomething say, there’sI nothing under for can nevernew regain.

As the sun – my frustrations are probthey say, there’s nothing new under ablysun the–same as those myare parents the my frustrations probhad, and their parents before them, ably the same as those my parents as their flourished an had, andchildren their parents beforeinthem, environment of progress and change. as their children flourished in an Hopefully, one I will and havechange. chilenvironment ofday progress dren of my own, and they can help Hopefully, one day I will have chilmeand findthey thecan wayhelp back dren of my own, to the fantastical wonme find the way back derlands where fairies to the fantastical wonand gnomes are the derlands where fairies rule, not theare excepand gnomes the tion.

Until then, rule, not the excepmy focus be on tion.

Untilwill then, creating beautiful my focus will be on landscapes, knowing creating beautiful that somewhere out landscapes, knowing there, magical out bethat somewhere ings are silently there, magical benodding in apings are silently proval, waiting nodding in apto proval, move into their waiting new home. to move into their new home.

Get your FREE issue today!

Northern Colorado’s

Favorite Senior Magazine.

visit us online: rmsenior.com Like us on facebook: facebook.com/RMSeniorMagazine

RMPARENT

| 25

thompson school district news

Thompson 101 introduces school district The Thompson School District Board of Education hosts its second annual Thompson 101 Sept. 11 from 6-8:30pm at Centennial Elementary School, 1555 W. 37th St. Thompson 101 is an event that introduces different facets of the school district to parents and community members through information booths, breakout sessions and a listening session with Board of Education members. The booths are open from 6-7:15pm and will include such topics as Open Enrollment/Schools of Choice, English Language Acquisition, transportation, athletics and activities, Parent Portal/Infinite Campus, Nutrition Services, LEAP/Innovation Lab, Exceptional Student Services, Gifted & Talented Program, Credit Recovery/GED, Getting Involved and educational options such as IB, LISA, Core Knowledge, STEM schools, focus schools and more.

Check the website at: www.thompson schools.org for more information.

Carrie Martin receives two years of Franklin Covey programming Carrie Martin Elementary School will receive a grant from I Am A Leader Foundation to receive leadership training for The Leader in Me project at the school. The grant includes about $50,000 over the course of five years.

The Leader in Me helps schools establish a culture of character and leadership with its staff, students and school community. The training is part of Franklin Covey Training and Consulting based on the work of the late Dr. Steven Covey and his “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” His book, “The Leader in Me,” outlines how to bring those seven habits into the elementary school setting.

“I did some serious dancing around the living room when I received the e-mail that we had received the grant!”

Carrie Martin Principal Deanna Terry 26

| RMPARENT

Several educators from Thompson and other school districts participated in a minishowcase and presented presentations about instruction modules designed to provide more literacy into all secondary courses. This was part of a recent two-day Literacy Design Collaborative session to support teachers in addressing students’ reading and writing skills within various subject areas. The Literacy Design Collaborative is part of the Colorado Legacy Foundation and Colorado Department of Education’s Integration Project in which Thompson has taken a lead role with several other school districts to improve teacher effectiveness. See http://thompson.k12.co.us/Bulletin_ board/CIP.html and http://colegacy.org/.

says upon hearing the news. Her school community began discussing this direction before her arrival over a year ago.

“This was where the Carrie Martin community wanted to focus, and I was all for it,” she says. “The Leader in Me is such a good fit for our school family. It is highly inclusive with a leadership focus for our

full range of students, from those with special needs to our high achievers.”

Terry and her staff sought a framework that would lead them down the path without having to “reinvent the wheel.”

One of her teachers gave her the Covey book that related the “seven habits” to an elementary school environment. She knew

RMPARENT

| 27

immediately that this was the path to pursue. “It embraces those beliefs and values that will help us develop leadership skills in all of our students in a way that affects kids in a positive way,” she says. “All kids can be leaders in some way, whether it is through community service, the arts, technology, high achievement, or in other ways.”

What she finds most appealing about this project is the potential benefit for the kids. The project encompasses important leadership components of the ‘seven habits’ to take every student to the next level of excellence.

Terry adds that in her 33 years in public education, she has never seen a staff vote unanimously to move forward on an initiative, but it happened at Carrie Martin. The school staff unanimously voted to pursue the leadership focus and the grant.

Of the initial parents involved, all have been very positive and highly supportive.

Part of the requirement for the support and resources of the grant is for the school to provide $5,000 each year. Terry and her staff have raised $4,400 so far from the following community groups:

Crop Production Services, Changes Salon, Kuch Mechanical (Dianna Scott), The Church at Loveland, and Salem Thyne. “It shows the foundation how serious we are. They call it ‘skin-in-thegame money,’ ” Terry says. “We are so grateful for the community support that we have received from our donors so far.

Building stronger communities is what this leadership focus is all about.”

The letter she received from the foundation commended her school community on its “leadership, passion, and commitment, and for your outstanding preparation work in qualifying for this grant. We have the highest of expectations for your school and for the success you will achieve with your staff and students.”

Only about 60 schools in the country received this grant in which participating schools move through several phases to become a model “Lighthouse School.” These schools around the world (paraphrasing Covey) “communicate to children their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”

Through the program, staff, parent

leaders and administrators receive training to guide them through the process of becoming a “Lighthouse School.” The school will provide student achievement and other data as a part of the grant to provide a baseline and measure its progress. The School Visioning Day Training took place on May 29, attended by most of the school staff and several parents and administrators.

The Seven Habits Training was Aug. 14-16 to guide the staff through the process, with Implementation Day Training on Aug. 20. Training is also provided for parent leadership and administrators. All parents will learn more about The Leader in Me at Carrie Martin’s Back to School Nights in August and September.

Community members interested in supporting Carrie Martin Elementary as they pursue this leadership focus may contact the principal, Deanna Terry, at: deanna.terry@thompsonschools.org or at 970-613-5700. For more information about the foundation, see: www.bealeader foundation.org/programs/instituteelementary.aspx.

Pick up your FREE copy today!

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

visit us online at:

rmparent.com 28

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 29

poudre school district news

Supportive and involved parents will be missed their PTO budget and coordinating their annual PTO mini-grant requests from teachers, finding volunteers for or participating personally in 8th-Grade Career Day, providing parent input for Lesher’s new logo, and assisting with increasing enrollment at Lesher.

Dodd says, “Clearly, Stephanie and Sue have contributed their time, talents, and energy to the Lesher learning community in many ways to help us become a better school and make good on our motto, ‘A school for the mind; a home for the heart.’ We’ve had many great parent volunteers over the years, but this year I felt compelled to call special attention to Steph and Sue. They will be missed, but must remember...

Once a Viking, always a Viking!”

Stephanie Seng and Sue Hoenig have been invaluable volunteers at Lesher Jr. High School.

“They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but I’d argue the tree can nurture some pretty awesome apples,” says Tom Dodd, Principal at Lesher, an IB World School. He is speaking of two very involved volunteers who have been at Lesher for the past six years. Their children are now moving on to high school.

Stephanie Seng’s three children, Will, Jonah, and Olivia, and Sue Hoenig’s four children, Ryan, Eric, Austin, and Tessa, were all “great Lesher students and even better young people.

However, they wouldn’t have become the teenagers they are without supportive and involved moms like Stephanie and Sue, as well as dads, Chris and Mark,” says Dodd. Seng and Hoenig have served the Lesher school community as PTO president and secretary for most of the past six years. They have been School Accountability (SAC) members, volunteer basketball and volleyball coaches, Nordic Fest organizers, book talk leaders, end-of-year staff picnic servers, and communicators in the modernization of Lesher as it moved 30

| RMPARENT

closer to becoming the “best bilingual IB Middle Years Program in Colorado.”

Dodd says that, “Seng and Hoenig have demonstrated the intelligence, organizational ability, interpersonal skills, integrity, sense of humor, and stick-to-it-ness that any principal hopes for in his/her parent community.

They are patient, task-oriented, relationship -focused women who take initiative and care about their children’s school. Always willing to lend a hand, they’ve given advice and thought creatively to offer innovative ideas to increase efficiencies and find solutions to building needs.”

For example, Seng’s children previously attended Harris Bilingual, and she was a key stakeholder in providing insight into what Lesher’s emerging dual-language program could and should look like.

Hoenig’s children attended Riffenburgh, and her voice as a neighborhood parent helped make sure Lesher didn’t stay the “best kept secret in PSD,” Dodd says.

Both have been integral to the success of many initiatives at Lesher, including fundraising, maintaining

A message from Nancy Wright Hello Poudre School District parents, staff and community members, I am excited to be back in Fort Collins as the Interim Superintendent for PSD. I look forward to a great year as I work to maintain the progress the district has made and pave the way for a smooth transition for a long-term Superintendent.

PSD NUtrition Nutritious meals are served daily at all schools. Menus are posted monthly, are also sent home in school newsletters and also posted in RMParent magazine. All lunches and breakfasts offered in Poudre School District are nutritious, safe and balanced meals that exceed all federal and USDA nutritional guidelines to promote healthy lifestyles.

Student Rights and Code of Conduct PSD will be distributing the Student Rights and Code of Conduct electronically again this school year. Families will have access to the Student Rights and Code of Conduct via the PSD website,

RMPARENT

| 31

through the Connect parent e-newsletter, and a limited number will be available in print at each school and at the district office, for families who are not able to access it electronically. Several policies have been updated or revised for this year, so please review the information carefully. “http://www.psdschools.org/webfm_ send/514”Also available in Spanish.

Communication protocol during an emergency situation PSD will communicate information and instructions directly with parents through one or more of the following avenues: For the latest and most accurate information about PSD, visit the website.

The homepage features articles, school features, district initiatives, calendars, video and more! The website also has a “Parent” landing page that includes a Student Snapshot feature for parents to view personalized information about their child.

Critical communications regarding school closures, emergencies, etc… are posted on the homepage during events and updated frequently to provide parents with the most current information.

SchoolMessenger Automated Phone System: PSD uses SchoolMessenger to call

parents district-wide or at specific schools with emergency information regarding their school (such as closures, early release, power outage, etc…) Parents can list 2 numbers (home and secondary number) for each household, not per parent. Contact your school to add your phone numbers.

Email alert sign-up: Register your email to receive PSD and school emails. You will receive critical emergency information, monthly community e-newsletter and other important updates from your child’s school. The email system is used frequently during school emergencies, closures, etc… to keep parents’ updated. Sign up online at www.psdschools.org. You must sign up separately on the Email Alert System to receive PSD emails in addition to the school information packet.

Local radio and TV stations: PSD Channel 10 (Comcast and US Cable) Parents may call the Customer Service Center at 970-490-3333. Operators will have most accurate and up-to-date information.

32

| RMPARENT

Access your student’s information through Student Snapshot The interactive “Student Snapshot” is available from the Parents page on the PSD website. The Student Snapshot allows parents and guardians to view individualized information for their student(s) including schedule, grades, upcoming assignments, account balances, and school information. New this year, parents and guardians can view and download district and state assessment scores for their child. Current Student Snapshot users may continue to use their existing account. Parents and guardians who do not have an account may create one by clicking the “Create An Account” link, found on the Student Snapshot login page. To access information, parents need a unique activation code for each of their students. Activation codes generated in the Student Snapshot will be e-mailed to the head(s) of household on record in SILK, the PSD student information system. The student’s school may also generate activation codes. For questions or troubleshooting, call 490-3020 or e-mail portalhelp@psdschools.org.

Pinnacle Internet Viewer (PIV):

PIV is a secure webpage containing information from PSD’s electronic grade book. It allows secondary students (grades 6–12) and parents to view grades and missing assignments as teachers update them.

To access PIV, use information from a letter you will receive this fall from your student’s secondary school.

(Contact the school if you didn’t receive the information or have misplaced it.)

Blackboard: Teachers can use the Blackboard online classroom system to post lessons, homework assignments, announcements and other information for students to access. Blackboard is located as a left-hand link on the “Students” landing page on the upper tool bar of the PSD website. Students are assigned Blackboard usernames and passwords, which parents must also use in order to view it.

Information: Ben Johnson, PSD Instructional Technology, benj@psd schools.org or 490-3436 or Paul Meyer, pmeyer@psdschools.org, 490-3591-3204.

Sex-offender registry information available State law (C.R.S. § 22-1-124) requires that all schools notify parents about how to access records on registered sex offenders. Following are ways to obtain information about registered offenders: List of offenders living inside city limits is available at City of Fort Collins Police Services; Information about sex offenders via Colorado Bureau of Investigations statewide sex offender list is available at http://sor.state.co.us, which will take you to the State of Colorado registry. Simply follow the steps and select the city or county of interest for the information, which is maintained by CBI. The local Fort Collins sex offender registration list can also be accessed by going to the police station at 2221 Timberline Road, and filling out a request form (no charge to view list; $7.50 to purchase copy).

List of offenders living outside city limits in Larimer County is available from Larimer County Sheriff; Residents can go to the Sheriff ’s Office administration building, 2501 Midpoint Drive, and view books with information and pictures of sex offenders at no charge.

Residents can purchase a list for a fee of $7.50 through the records department.

A database is online at: www.larimer. org/sheriff/sexoffenders/index.htm Colorado sex offenders registry from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation: available online at http://sor.state.co.us Register online to volunteer PSD’s online volunteer registration is available! The system is easy to use for parents who want to volunteer at their child’s school and for community members who want to be involved in education. Help shape the future – volunteer! If you have previously registered and forgot your log on information, please call the volunteer office for assistance at (970) 490-3208. follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter!

Sign up to follow PSD on Facebook and Twitter. Links are now located at the top of the new PSD home page at www. psdscho ols.org. Check it out!

Buy one cupcake get one FREE, or 10% OFF any order!

s

e t e C w S u ” pcake B “

970-532-2680

425 E. 4th St. Loveland Follow us on: b.sweet.cupcakes online at:

www.bsweetcupcakes.com

Place an order any day of the week!

Across from Anthology

Open for walk-Ins on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6pm Saturdays 11am-2pm

RMPARENT

| 33

greeley-evans district 6 news TCAP test results are in for District 6 Overall student proficiency in District 6 rose in reading on the 2012 Colorado TCAP tests, but declined in writing, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Education. Math and science test results showed a slight decline of less than one percentage point.

Across the district, more grade levels and subject areas saw declines than increases, although overall proficiency levels did not fluctuate by much. With all grades combined, 56 percent of District 6 students were proficient or advanced in reading, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from last year. Writing is at 40.5 percent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points. Math and science decreased by about half a percentage point each, to 41.1 percent and 29.9 percent, respectively. These changes are similar to the changes in statewide results, where reading increased by 1.4

34

| RMPARENT

percentage points, writing declined by 1.3 points, math increased 0.1 point, and science increased 1.1 points.

Principals, teachers, and educational administrators will use the results of the TCAP test to review individual student performance, and adjust instructional practices to help address students’ specific areas of need.

“The fact that the percentages of our students who are proficient or advanced is generally holding steady, and even increasing in some areas like reading, is remarkable given the significant numbers of students arriving in our schools with challenges of learning English as a second language and also ever increasing levels of poverty,” says superintendent Ranelle Lang. “Those students can succeed in school, but they need more supports, more resources, and in many cases more instructional time.”

During the 2011-12 school year, District 6 had four fewer instructional days than normal due to unpaid furlough days taken to help balance the budget. State funding for education has been reduced in the last several years, causing the loss of about $23.5 million in funding for District 6 alone. During the upcoming school year, the budget situation is slightly improved, and no furlough days have been scheduled.

This is the first year of the TCAP test, a transitional test that will be used for the next couple of years as the state moves toward a new testing system that is more fully aligned with the new academic standards.

Statewide TCAP data, including growth, will be available soon on the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView website, www.schoolview. org. Parents will receive their children’s specific results.

RMPARENT

| 35

lunchbox Poudre School District —Elementary student lunches are $2.15, secondary student lunches are $2.40 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

Elementary school 4 Grilled cheese & tomato soup; chicken patty sandwich; PBJ 5 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; chef salad; chicken nuggets 6 Veggie wrap; BBQ chicken sandwich; cheese pizza 7 Spaghetti; turkey & cheese wrap; cheeseburger 10 Sloppy Joe; turkey & cheese deli; chicken nuggets 11 Yogurt & fruit box; chili & cinnamon roll; pepperoni pizza 12 Mac n’cheese; baked potato bar; chef salad 13 Turkey gravy & potatoes; chef salad; chicken patty sandwich 14 Hummus & veggies; veggie lasagna; beef tacos

17 No school!

18 Veggie lasagna; cheeseburger; PBJ 19 Asian rice bowl; chicken patty sandwich; hummus & veggies 20 Chicken drumstick; beef burrito; veggie wrap 21 Mac n’cheese; French toast sticks; tuna salad sandwich 24 Yogurt & fruit box; turkey & cheese wrap; chicken quesadilla 25 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets; PBJ 26 Chef salad; cheeseburger; mac n’cheese 27 Veggie wrap; Teriyaki chicken dippers; chicken patty sandwich 28 Turkey & cheese wrap; cheese pizza; hummus & veggies

Secondary schools 4 Cheese raviolis; baked chicken; chef salad 5 Chicken nuggets; egg roll w/brown rice; tomato soup & salad 6 Baked chicken; smothered burrito; chicken Caesar salad 7 Chili & cinnamon roll; chicken fajita w/rice; chicken fajita salad 10 Chili cheese fries; chicken taco; Madarin chicken salad 11 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl; Chicken Caesar salad 12 Baked potato bar; chicken nuggets; cheese quesadilla 13 Pasta w/sauce; pig in a blanket; chicken Caesar salad 14 Veggie Lasagna; beef tacos; grilled chicken sandwich

17 HS ONLY Mac’n cheese; Asian rice bowl 18 Veggie lasagna; burrito; buffalo chicken salad 19 Chicken nuggets; fruit & yogurt parfait; veggie soup & salad 20 Baked chicken; pasta w/sauces; chef salad 21 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; beef tacos; hummus & veggies 24 Nachos; pasta w/sauces; chicken Caesar salad 25 Teriyaki chicken dippers; beef tacos; chef salad 26 Chicken nuggets; chili w/cinnamon roll; tomato soup & salad 27 Orange chicken; Philly cheesesteak; hummus & veggies 28 Asian rice bowl; burrito; Madarin chicken salad

Thompson R2J School District —Elementary lunches are $2.50. Secondary school lunches are $2.75.

Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

Elementary schools 4 Pancakes w/sausage; Ceasar salad 5 Turkey hot dog; burrito 6 Taco; baked potato 7 Fish nuggets; fruit w/yogurt plate 10 Roasted chicken; Caesar salad 11 Chicken Alfredo; baked potato 12 Sloppy Joe; burrito 13 Nachos; taco salad 14 Orange chicken; fruit & yogurt plate 17 Mac n’cheese; Caesar Salad 18 Pizza stick; baked potato

19 Chicken patty sandwich; burrtio 20 Chicken tacos; baked potato; taco salad 21 Veggie egg roll; yogurt & fruit plate 24 Chicken & gravy; Caesar salad 25 Turkey sausage pizza; baked potato; chicken tender salad 26 Burger; burrito; garden salad 27 Chicken burrito bowl; baked potato; taco salad 28 French bread boat; fruit & yogurt plate

Secondary schools 4 Pancakes /scrambled eggs; BBQ pulled pork; PBJ/cheese stick 5 Chicken breast strips; mashed potatoes w/chicken gravy; burger 6 Taco; PBJ/cheese sticks; sandwich 7 Fish fillet sandwich; PBJ w/cheese stick; sandwich 10 Chicken; PBJ w/cheese stick; PBJ 11 Chicken Alfredo; burger 12 Roast beef sandwich; chicken sand.

13 Nachos; meat lasagna

14 Orange chicken; French bread boat 17 Mac n’cheese; veggie quesadilla 18 Pizza stick; chicken nuggets 19 Chicken patty sandwich; nachos 20 Chicken tacos; popcorn chicken 21 Egg roll with veggies; fish tacos 24 Chicken w/gravy; PBJ w/cheese stick 25 Cheese pizza; chicken fajita 26 Burger; chicken parmesan 27 Chicken burrito bowl; meatball sandwich 28 French bread boat; hot ham & cheese

Greeley District 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.25, and middle school lunches are $2.50, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. Elementary schools 4 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 5 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 6 BBQ chicken; ham & cheese sandwich 7 Pepperoni pizza; egg sandwich 10 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 11 Quesadilla; PBJ 12 Hamburger; chicken sandwich 13 Chicken; ham & cheese hoagie 14 Cheese pizza; tuna sandwich

17 Pork sandwich; turkey & cheese wrap 18 Taco; chicken salad sandwich 19 Lasagna; PBJ 20 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 21 No school!

24 Hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 25 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 26 Spaghetti; PBJ 27 Ham & cheese hoagie; turkey 28 Cheese pizza; tuna sandwich

Secondary schools 4 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 5 Sloppy Joe; club wrap 6 BBQ chicken; ham & cheese hoagie 7 Pepperoni pizza; egg salad sandwich 10 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 11 Fiesta chicken roll up; PBJ 12 Hamburger; chicken salad sandwich 13 Herb chicken; Italian wrap 14 Cheese pizza; tuna sandwich

17 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 18 Taco; club wrap 19 Lasagna/ PBJ 20 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 21 No school!

24 Hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 25 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 26 Pasta w/meat sauce; PBJ 27 Turkey; Italian wrap 28 Cheese pizza; tuna salad sandwich

Windsor School District —Price for elementary lunch is $2.30, for middle school students, $2.50. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

Elementary schools 4 Chicken sandwich 5 Potato bar 6 Chicken Alfredo 7 Cheese or pepperoni pizza 10 Bean & cheese burrito 11 Soaring dragon veggies 12 Chili w/cinnamon roll

36

| RMPARENT

13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24

Sloppy Joe Cheese or Hawaiian pizza Taco Chicken nuggets Mac n’cheese BBQ chicken Cheese or variety pizza Burger

25 Teriyaki chicken 26 Spaghetti w/meatballs 27 Taco 28 Pizza dippers Secondary schools 4 Chicken sandwich 5 Potato bar 6 Chicken Alfredo

7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18

Quesadilla Bean & cheese burrito BBQ sandwich Chili w/cinnamon roll Beef stir-fry Hot & spicy chicken sand.

Taco Weiner wrap

19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28

Mac n’cheese Chicken nuggets Meatball sub Taco Cheeseburger Spaghetti Teriyaki chicken Steak & cheese sandwich

RMPARENT

| 37

SEPTEMBER 2012 ONGOING Through September 29 Wit

By Margaret Edson. Fiercely independent Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., has spent her professional life exploring the brilliant metaphysical sonnets of John Donne. When she is diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer, Vivian undertakes an intensely personal journey through life and death with wit, anger, kindness, and deep reflection. Presented

by OpenStage. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com or www.OpenStage.com.

Through October 28 Fiddler on the Roof Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

September 7-9 TriMedia Film Festival Bringing independent film, theatre and television to Northern Colorado.

Venues hosting the event: Lory Theatre at CSU, the Lincoln Center, and Bas Bleu Theatre. 970-481-4361 or www. trimediafestival.org.

September 13 – November 11 In the Heights A gripping story, incredible dancing and a cast of lovable characters take you on an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community.

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 South Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555. www.

MidtownArtsCenter.com September 15-16 13th Sustainable Living Fair A weekend of solution-based, interactive, family-oriented events designed to educate people of all ages

38

| RMPARENT

and backgrounds about: renewable energy, alternative transportation, sustainable agriculture, green building, natural health, environmental & social responsibility, local economies and more.

Legacy Park, 300 Woodlawn Dr., FC. 10am-6pm. 970-224-FAIR or www.

SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

September 28-30 Rocky Mountain Irish Festival 2012 a magnificent family cultural event with Irish musicians, Irish dancers, famous Irish Authors, storytellers, Pipe and Drum bands and multiple new Irish exhibits. Civic Center Park, 201 LaPorte Ave., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Sunday, September 2 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, September 4 Great Decisions: Energy Geopolitics “Great Decisions” is a discussion program run by the Foreign Policy Association. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Virtuoso Series Concert Regina Helcher Yost brings a wealth of experience to her solo and orchestral playing. Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

Wednesday, September 5 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, September 6 Mountain Meteorology and Sleeping on the Summits Learn how to diagnose weather in the field to get the most out of your outdoor pursuits. REI, 4025 South College Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm. 970-221-6311 or www.rei.com.

Canning Salsa This workshop focuses on proper canning methods for beginners.

Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Association. Larimer County Extension, 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., FC. 6-8:30pm. 970-224-3247 or www.

SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Friday, September 7 Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Noches en Familia: Family Nights ¡Ven y disfruta un tiempo de cuentos, manualidades, canciones y películas en español! Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

RMPARENT

| 39

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9-10am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy and safe environment for the active twos. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 10-11am.

970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Saturday, September 8 Nelsen’s Old Town Car Show A wide variety of cars including hot rods, vintage and classic favorites, trucks, and customs cars will line the streets of Downtown Fort Collins. Old Town, FC. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Magic in the Rockies 2012 Will feature some of the world’s greatest magicians! The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.lctix.com.

Baby Shower at the Library Fun activities for expectant and new parents and information on services available to you. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Chess @ Your Library Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Great Colorado Bear Stories Award-wining local author Laura Pritchett will share stories describing the fascinating science and natural history of Colorado’s bears. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Boot Camp for New Dads For men, taught by men! North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

40

| RMPARENT

Breastfeeding: Off to a Good Start Designed for expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Spanish Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-1pm. 970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Sunday, September 9 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, September 10 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters: Scams that Target Colorado Consumers Tips on how to avoid being victimized.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Virtuoso Concert Series CSU faculty Michelle Stanley, flute, and special guest Yoriko Morita, cello. Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

Tuesday, September 11 Kevin Cook Home in the Trees: Hackberry Lodge.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Baby Care 101 Topics include signs of illness, safety, development, and parent adjustment.

Poudre Valley Health, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 6-9pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6:30-9pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Labor and Birth for Teens Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxation, and comfort techniques.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 4-6pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Virtuoso Series Concert Special guest Alessandro Cervo on the violin. Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

A CHILD FOCUSED DIVORCE THROUGH MEDIATION FOR MOST PARENTS the decision to get divorced is one of the hardest ones they will ever make. If they choose to do so, it’s probably because they believe a happier healthier life lies ahead.

They do not get divorced to harm their children or their spouse, or to enter into an emotionally and financially devastating battle. Yet far too often, this is exactly what happens. And most times it happens simply because people don’t know that there is an alternative way to end a marriage.

Child Focused Mediation (CFM) offers a way in which parents can divorce or solve parenting issues after divorce, in a truly constructive fashion. This kind of mediation is based on establishing win/win outcomes and deepening understanding between parents in conflict. Generally, it is far less expensive than litigation and research supports that the outcomes are significantly better for children.

Disputing parents are empowered to resolve their own financial and parenting issues with the help of a neutral third party known as a mediator. The mediator does this by creating a safe, confidential, and unbiased environment in which parents share their stories, define issues and then collaboratively problem solve.

Mediated agreements are documented in writing. They become legally binding once approved by the court. A mediated agreement keeps parents in control of their children’s futures, rath-

er than a judge. Parents almost always have a better idea of what works for their own kids.

Some mediators are attorneys, some mental health practitioners. As a psychotherapist and mediator, I can offer my clients the best of both worlds by co-mediating with an attorney mediator. Families receive maximum benefit from mediation when mediators can also provide data based information on parenting plans and practices that improve outcomes and limit the risks for children of divorce.

What makes CFM so unique and powerful, is that it is goal based. The mediator facilitates parents to collaboratively define what their goals are for their children. Parents usually feel very motivated to achieve these goals and commit to only making agreements (even financial ones) that will uphold them. The need for parents to collaborate to support their children becomes evident and motivating. When parents focus on what’s truly best for their children, they in turn bring their best selves to the negotiating table.

Mediation is not therapy, but it does address negative emotions that surface during negotiations and diffuses them. CFM is a realistic process in which parents can be honest and pragmatic with one another. Once fear, anger, disappointment and hurt have been diffused, parents are more able to focus on the love they have for -PAID ADVERTISEMENT-

their children and the goals they have set for them.

It is important to understand that CFM is not just for parents who “get along pretty well.” CFM is well suited for even very high conflict parents who have been involved with the courts.

Mediation almost always works, if parents are willing to do the work to make it successful. The first step in this process is to understand that research demonstrates divorce in itself is not devastating to children, but overt parental conflict is. When parents fight, children lose!

Jill Cantor Lee is owner of Amani Mediation and Counseling and specializes as a therapist and mediator working with families in conflict. Please see Amani meanspeace.net for more information.

RMPARENT

| 41

Wednesday, September 12 Money Matters: Scams that Target Colorado Consumers Tips on how to avoid being victimized.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, September 13 Fall Day Hiking Basics Learn about trip planning, essential items, safety precautions, and local resources and places to go. REI, 4025 South College Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm.

970-221-6311 or www.rei.com.

Rocky Mountain Raptors: Summer Raptors of Colorado Topics will include raptors in the aftermath of the hard and hot summer.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Frankenstein and the Making of Monsters A two-part mini-lecture and community discussion of the novel. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Medical Interventions and C-Sections Options in pain management and what to expect before, during and after a Csection. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Friday, September 14 Daughter of the Regiment Gaetano Donizetti’s iconic comedy about the military vandieres of the French 19th century is given new life in an original English performance edition. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix. com Saturday, September 15 Author Ellen Hopkins Hosted by the Interesting Reader Society.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sign Language Basics for Teens Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

42

| RMPARENT

Survival Skills for New Parents This class is designed to give you plenty of information related to the firth six months of parenting.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-1pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Labor Techniques and Comfort Measures Strategies for labor and delivery to include relaxation, breathing, visualization, movement, or massage and use of tools such as birthing balls, aromatherapy, or rebozos. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Map and Compass Orientation Learn how to navigate, triangulate, and more. REI, 4025 South College Ave., FC. 9am-1pm. 970-221-6311 or www. rei.com.

Get Involved! Volunteer Fair Hosted by Volunteers of America Northern Colorado Services. An excellent opportunity to get involved in the community. McKee 4H Building at the Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, LV. 9am-Noon. 970-472-9630 or www. voacolorado.org.

Sunday, September 16 Game Day @ Your Library Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Daughter of the Regiment Gaetano Donizetti’s iconic comedy about the military vandieres of the French 19th century is given new life in an original English performance edition.

The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix. com

Monday, September 17 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Virtuoso Series Concert CSU faculty K. Dawn Grapes, flute, and special guest Kevin McChesney, guitar.

Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-4912787 or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

Tuesday, September 18 Labor and Birth for Teens Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxation, and comfort techniques.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Virtuoso Series Concert Special guest Saakumu Dance Troupe.

Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-4912787 or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

Thursday, September 20 The Best Fall Hikes Discover where to find the most beautiful fall scenery in the area from US Forest Service Rangers. REI, 4025 South College Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm.

970-221-6311 or www.rei.com.

University Symphony Orchestra Join the symphony for a night of music inspired by French composers and influences. Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

Genealogy Program: Piece by Piece, Page by Page An approach to writing. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, September 21 Music in the Round with Curious Gage Curious Gage has been a fixture in the contemporary a cappella scene for over eight years. With five voices, five microphones, dynamic bass and powerful vocal percussion, the members of Curious Gage capture the energy and enthusiasm of an instrumental band—but use only their voices. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Frankenstein and the Making of Monsters A two-part mini-lecture and community discussion of the novel.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Literature Comes Alive: Mary Shelley Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, September 22 eTown Live Radio Taping: The Head and the Heart & Gregory Alan Isakov The band will make its first visit to eTown to share lots of great music and insight into the origins and influences behind their collaborative songwriting process. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com Sunday, September 23 Ram Bicycle Classic Enjoy one of four scenic bike rides followed by food and entertainment.

The Lagoon, Colorado State University, FC. 7:30am-4:30pm. www.

RamBicycleClassic.org.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

RMPARENT

| 43

The Voice in Your Head This workshop will teach how to tap into your own voice as a writer.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 5:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, September 29 We're having a Baby: A Class for Siblings Kids will learn what a new baby looks like, how to become a “big helper,” and how to make friends with the new baby.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9:30-10:30am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Monday, September 24 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, September 26 Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy and safe environment for the active twos.

Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Virtuoso Series Concert CSU faculty Margaret Miller, viola, Sara McDaniel, piano. Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

From Sugar Beet Fields to the Field of Dreams Northern Colorado Baseball Historians Gabe and Jody Lopez will present a talk on the once popular Spanish baseball leagues of Northern Colorado. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, September 25 Labor and Birth for Teens Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxation, and comfort techniques.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Virtuoso Series Concert Special guests Alan Klaus, trumpet, and Daneil Fung, piano. Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, CSU, FC. 7:30pm. 970-491-2787 or www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

44

| RMPARENT

Thursday, September 27 Sauerkraut and Fermentation A hands-on workshop that teaches the basics of making sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermentation techniques.

Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Association. The River Rock Commons Community House, 520 N. Sherwood #35, FC. 68:30pm. 970-224-3247 or www.

SustainableLiving Association.org.

Interesting Reader Society Meeting Young adults meet monthly to talk mainly about teen stuff. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Fantasy Role-Playing Games for Teens If you like Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy role-playing games, then this is the place for you to get together with other teens that enjoy them too.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

2013 March to Dublin Join the CSU and Fort Collins communities for this fundraiser event as we celebrate the CSU Marching Band’s upcoming trip to Dublin, Ireland to march in the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade! The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 970221-6730 or www.lctix.com

RMPARENT

| 45

time out

Bike love is serious business

Passing on our values to our kids through modeling B e v i n B a rber - C a mpbell

O

n those difficult days when I feel like a lousy mother, there are two antidotes for me: a trip to the library (don’t you always feel like a good parent when you go there?) and, a bike ride with my kids. As we coast into the driveway at the end of one of our bicycling adventures—our moods shifted, our spirits lifted—I am soothed by the sense that I am indeed doing something right in the parenting department. I have taught my kids a love of the bicycle. With a stroke of the pedal, I am supermom again!

As parents, we have a sense (loose or firm) of the values we want to instill in our children. When we perceive that we have effectively transferred these values, we feel successful.

One of the top five values in our family is a love of the bicycle. Perhaps it sounds silly, but to us “bike love” is serious business.

Aside from the simple fact that we enjoy riding bicycles, this love is connected to several other important values and is related to one of our strongest convictions—a commitment to using the bicycle for exercise and transportation.

When I see that I have taught my kids a love of the bicycle, I am aware that I am also teaching them some of my other key principles—the importance of exercise, respect for others and concern for the common good (and future generations), care of the earth, awareness of the impact our actions have on the environment, and an appreciation of good, clean fun.

Values, habits and convictions are passed from parents to children, often repeating themselves through generations (whether we like it or not!). Indeed, my love of the bike did not come out of the ether. Throughout my childhood, my father consis46

| RMPARENT

tently used the bicycle for exercise and transportation. When I was a latchkey kid, he would retrieve me after school by bicycle (arriving with the grip of my handlebar in one hand as he steadied his own steed with his other… no trail-a-bikes then!).

Our values are passed on by what we say, and, perhaps to a greater degree, by what we do. Don’t the parenting experts tell us over and over again

father would discourage me and my sisters from taking escalators. In his quiet way, he made it clear that the only way we were “going up” was by the strength of our own haunches. I was told that it was better for me to climb the stairs, that it was important to use my body whenever possible.

Even when we were less-thanenthusiastic teenagers, he stayed true to his message with his modeling. To

that modeling is one of the most influential factors in raising our children?

A big part of teaching our values to our children is living them ourselves.

We need to walk the talk. If I want my kids to love biking and to commit to using bikes for transportation, then I must model this for them. If I want my kids to become environmental stewards, then I need to actively demonstrate the habits of stewardship.

My dad understood and lived by (as did his father and grandfather) the basic principle that one must always keep moving, that even gentle forms of exercise are critical for health and longevity. For example, my

this day, when I am in an airport, my “inner parent” prevents me from taking the escalator or an elevator when there are stairs adjacent.

Without a doubt, my father’s values and habits wore off on me.

Fast forward 30 years and here I am teaching my kids the same principles and modeling similar behaviors, this time with an environmental moral added to the message.

I am my father’s daughter, as they say.... I hope my kids will feel the same way some day.

Bevin Barber-Campbell is a parent and bike advocate in Fort Collins.

we have over 30 campground sites!

Book yours today!

ver Meadows has a e B l l a e r o to offe Expl r

www.BEavErMEadows.coM • 970-881-2450 RMPARENT

| 47

48

| RMPARENT